Chapter 57

57. A Failure

CHARLENE

“Really Charlene, can you pay a little attention? You need to choose a dress.” Mom scolded flipping
through the samples of fabrics that sat on the sofa next to her.

I frowned as I stared out at the blizzard outside. We were currently in the sitting room of our quarters and
Mom was trying to have our dresses finalised for the upcoming ball.

Was Yileyna ok? I heard Theon was moving back to the castle. This time of year was brutal in terms of
how cold it got, I didn’t get why Yileyna hadn’t moved to the castle with him as well. It had shocked me
when the staff said it was just Theon alone… What was going on? It wasn’t like either of them to be
separated. Theon was so possessive about her. Everyone could tell from the way he looked at her, he
was even going around making it known. So it was strange she wasn’t at the castle, it was worrying me.
Did they argue again? I wished she had the ability to mind link so I could at least talk to her. “Charlene!”
Mom snapped, making me jump. “Mom, relax. Choose whatever you like.” I said quietly. I felt restless
and I knew it was because of the news of Theon coming here alone. Goddess! I needed to do
something. “Charlene, as the future ruler of this kingdom, you need to be a lot more proactive about what
is going on around you.” Mom reprimanded me icily. 1 I frowned.

“Choosing a dress when we are threatened by war and attacks isn’t really being proactive.” I murmured,
but of course, she heard. Her heels clicked on the floor as she strode over to me, pulling me by my arm
and turning me viciously. She raised her hand. My eyes flew open as I stared at her and she brought it
down, stopping inches from my face.

Our hearts were thumping. She had never hit me… She looked shocked by her own actions too. She
lowered her hand, clenching her fist, and twirled away, her anger so obvious that it worried me.



“You need to act like you are at least an alpha female!” She hissed. 2

“I don’t understand why you’re saying that, Mom. I’m doing my best.”

I didn’t understand what more she wanted from me.

“You aren’t. Your father is so worried about the future of this kingdom, why? Because you aren’t up to the
standard needed.” She said, worry and anger on her face. “Growing up we both know you were always
second to a certain someone, at least now try to live up to the expectations we need from you.” +

I felt the pang of pain inside. Yes I know, I was always compared to Yileyna by Mom. Yileyna was always
better at everything, and Mom would always make remarks about it. That only stopped when I shifted
and Yileyna didn’t. But lately, with the growing threats, it was only becoming more and more stressful for
us all. 3

I worked hard, I was trying to awaken my abilities, I was trying to be involved and learn about the
kingdom from Dad. I mean as future Alpha, he should involve me, but he didn’t. There was only so much
I could do on my own.

Mom simply stared at me, clucking her tongue sharply in frustration.

“You need to be the daughter he needs, Charlene. You need to care for the kingdom. This ball is an
important event, with your father choosing Theon of Westerfell as our Beta.” Theon of Westerfell… I had
heard that title going around, binding him to the city since he had no memory of his past… I sighed
heavily and nodded. “Yes, mother, you are right.” I said, not wanting to argue.

At least when Theon became Beta, Yileyna would by default become Beta female and then we could
spend much more time together. I missed her. Since her parents had died, we don’t have as much time
as before, and now that Theon’s in her life…



Yes, I was a bit jealous that my soul sister was taken from me, but as long as she’s happy, I’m happy.
She deserves happiness. 1

I forced myself to look at the fabric swatches that were scattered on the sofa. I flipped through a bundle,
unable to focus on what I was seeing and stopping at a silver fabric.

“I will wear silver.” I said emotionlessly, not wanting to argue further with her.

She paused before she nodded, smiling with approval. “That’s perfect.” Mom said, and I breathed a sigh
of relief. “We can go for some accents of green.” I offered, not wanting to upset her any further.

“See, that wasn’t so hard, was it?”

“No. Of course not.” She smiled in approval just as the door opened and Dad entered the sitting room.
“Andres.” Mom said standing up as she walked over to her mate and, cupping his face, kissed him softly

Dad kissed her back, but I could tell he’d had a long day, he looked tired but somewhat still happy. I
guess things were going well. I smiled politely, I was so glad that I did hold the power of the heart of
Kaeladia within me, it made me feel far less useless. I just wished I could break the seal on my powers
soon. It would

at least help me make my parents happy and help the people of the city.

Dad grinned when he broke away from Mom, cupping her face for a second. “I have good news.” He
said, kissing her neck.

I looked at him curiously, wondering what this good news was that had gotten him so excited a “Oh?”
Mom asked as Dad sat down, pulling her into his lap.

“Yes. Theon has agreed to take Charlene as his chosen mate.”



My stomach dropped, my heart thumping as his words rang in my head. I stared at him in utter disbelief
and anger. “What?” I asked, my voice coming out hoarse.

“Theon will be your mate.” Dad repeated, his smile vanishing, the command in his voice making me
shudder.

“He’s with Yileyna.” “Not anymore. He agreed to take you as his.” Dad smirked. I clenched my fists, my
heart pounding as I stared at Dad, summoning every inch of my courage. “No.”

“What?” He asked, his eyes hard.

“I said no. I will never take Theon as my mate. Ever.” I said bravely, despite the fear I was feeling as
Dad’s aura raged around him like a beast ready to wreak havoc. 1

Goddess, give me the strength to stand up to him. “Say that again.” Dad threatened, slowly pushing
Mom onto the sofa as he stood up. I squared my shoulders, jutting my chin out defiantly. “I said no, I will
NEVER take a man that belongs to another as my mate. I don’t care if Theon agreed, I don’t agree.” I
said clearly. “You will, you are not worthy of the position yourself!” Dad warned. “This kingdom needs an
Alpha.” “Then let him be Alpha. Make Theon your heir! Why are you tying me to him?! He can still be
Alpha, I don’t want the position!” “Charlene!” Mom hissed, standing up, her eyes flashing. I frowned as
Dad let out a laugh, as if I had just made a joke.

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